Current status
The sandbowl snail is very localised throughout its European range. In the UK it is known from only three sites in England, including Sunbiggin Tarn in Cumbria and Braunton Burrows in Devon. It was also previously known from Glamorgan, Wales.
The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN/WCMC red list and as Endangered in the GB Red List and is protected under Schedule 5 of the WCA 1981.
Current factors causing loss or decline
The species is under threat at Braunton Burrows, a sand dune system, from lack of grazing and a falling water table resulting from drainage of adjacent land. It is threatened at the Cumbrian sites by drainage and tramping.
Current action
Both Braunton Burrows and Sunbiggin Tarn are SSSIs. Braunton Burrows is also a NNR and Biosphere Reserve.
A water level management plan for Braunton Burrows and Marsh is to be prepared by the NRA, IDB and NE in 1995/96.
Action plan objectives and targets
Ensure that viable populations are maintained at all known sites.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Seek to ensure that local water abstraction policies take into consideration the need to conserve this species. (ACTION: NRA)
Site safeguard and management
Encourage resumption of an appropriate level of grazing on Braunton Burrows by the year 2000. (ACTION: NE, MoD)
Seek to restore water levels in ditches on the marshes adjacent to Braunton Burrows to their 1970s levels by the year 2000, through the production and implementation of a water level management plan. (ACTION: NE, IDB, NRA).
Develop and implement a management plan for Sunbiggin Tarn. (ACTION: NE)
Seek to protect any new sites that may be found and ensure appropriate management. (ACTION: NE, NRA)
Species management and protection
No action proposed.
Advisory
Ensure that land managers at new sites are aware of the presence and importance of conserving this species and appropriate methods of management for its conservation. (ACTION: NE)
Future Research and Monitoring
Survey to identify sites for this species in other dune slacks and calcareous upland fens and flushes in Cumbria. (ACTION: NE)
Encourage regular monitoring of extant sites and seek to identify any further threats to the species. (ACTION: NE)
Encourage research on the ecology and distribution of this species with European partners and use the information and expertise gained towards its conservation in the UK. (ACTION: JNCC)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to JNCC or BRC so that it can be incorporated in national databases. (ACTION: NE)
Communications and Publicity
No action proposed.
Links with other action plans
None given.
Local implementation
The following LBAPs are working on Catinella arenaria:
Publication details
Originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report - Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p159)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species